Looking at this superb photograph of nearly new 'Nimbus' awaiting departure from York in around 1966 with a down express, I am saddened that this wonderful machine's captivating livery should have given way to its dreadful and dreary successor. This was the infamous 'BR Blue' also known as 'Monastral Blue' that (in my opinion) suited nothing and enhanced nothing! This colour was defined by British Standards BR28/6001 (Airless spray finish) and BR28/5321 (Brush finish).

Either way it was an uninspired and regrettable change for the worse. BR 'Class 55' Co-Co diesel No. D9005 'Nimbus' was built by English Electric Vulcan Foundry in Feb. 1962 and was withdrawn in Jan. 1980 as TOPS No. 55020. What game-changers these wonderful locomotives were.

© Stephen Barrett Archive-SA Collection